Exodus 23:29
I will not drive them out from before thee in one year; lest the land become desolate, and the beast of the field multiply against thee.
Original Language Analysis
לֹ֧א
H3808
לֹ֧א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 13
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אֲגָֽרְשֶׁ֛נּוּ
I will not drive them out
H1644
אֲגָֽרְשֶׁ֛נּוּ
I will not drive them out
Strong's:
H1644
Word #:
2 of 13
to drive out from a possession; especially to expatriate or divorce
מִפָּנֶ֖יךָ
from before
H6440
מִפָּנֶ֖יךָ
from before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
3 of 13
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
אֶחָ֑ת
thee in one
H259
אֶחָ֑ת
thee in one
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
5 of 13
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
פֶּן
H6435
פֶּן
Strong's:
H6435
Word #:
6 of 13
properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest
תִּֽהְיֶ֤ה
H1961
תִּֽהְיֶ֤ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
7 of 13
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
וְרַבָּ֥ה
multiply
H7227
וְרַבָּ֥ה
multiply
Strong's:
H7227
Word #:
10 of 13
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
עָלֶ֖יךָ
H5921
עָלֶ֖יךָ
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
11 of 13
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
Deuteronomy 7:22And the LORD thy God will put out those nations before thee by little and little: thou mayest not consume them at once, lest the beasts of the field increase upon thee.Joshua 15:63As for the Jebusites the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the children of Judah could not drive them out: but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Judah at Jerusalem unto this day.Joshua 16:10And they drave not out the Canaanites that dwelt in Gezer: but the Canaanites dwell among the Ephraimites unto this day, and serve under tribute.
Historical Context
The Book of the Covenant concludes with liturgical calendar and worship regulations, integrating Israel's civil, moral, and ceremonial life under God's comprehensive rule.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this law reveal God's character—His justice, mercy, or holiness?
- What New Testament principles build upon or fulfill this Old Testament regulation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
I will not drive them out from before thee in one year; lest the land become desolate, and the beast of the field multiply against thee.
This command shapes Israel's covenant community life, applying moral law to social relationships. God's justice concerns everyday matters—truthfulness, fairness, compassion. The accumulation of ordinances creates comprehensive ethic governing Israelite society. These aren't arbitrary rules but revelations of God's character. He is just, merciful, truthful; His people must reflect these attributes. New Testament ethics build on this foundation, radicalizing commands while maintaining their spirit.